Modular power plant and power driven appliance on mobile platform

ABSTRACT

A multi-appliance power unit ( 100 ) selectively driving one of a plurality of power driven appliances ( 114 ) from one relocatable power plant ( 102 ). The modular power plant ( 102 ) is entrapped on a platform ( 108 ) and is movable therealong to any one of the appliances ( 114 ) fastened to the platform ( 108 ), which appliance ( 114 ) can then be driven by the power plant ( 102 ). A modular power plant and power driven appliance kit ( 200 ) includes a wheeled chassis ( 204 ) having a handle ( 220 ), a removable modular power plant ( 202  or  212 ), and a removable modular power driven appliance ( 212  or  202 ). A flexible drive shaft ( 300 ), is optionally integrated with a power plant or a powered appliance. The flexible drive shaft ( 300 ) includes an outer flexible sheath ( 310 ), roller type bearings ( 308 ), and a multifilament torque conducting flexible core ( 306 ) held spaced apart from the outer flexible sheath ( 310 ) by the bearings ( 308 ).

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/184,722, filed Jun. 25, 2015,the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to power driven appliances, and moreparticularly, to torque transmission, via a flexible drive shaft, fromrelocatable power sources to a plurality of power driven appliances, andto mechanical/functional connections of modular, removable appliances topower sources.

BACKGROUND ART

A great many appliances such as hand held tools and portable equipmentsuch as generators, pumps, and the like, are motor driven, either byelectric motors or by internal combustion engines. In many cases, eachpowered appliance is commercially provided with its own dedicated powerplant and/or source (for example, electric motor or internal combustionengine). Consequently, capital costs, bulk, and weight of the manyappliances may be maximized. Logical physical layout of the manyappliances is often difficult to achieve.

Modular appliances having removable and replaceable power plants havebeen proposed. However, these frequently require tedious assembly suchas installation of threaded fasteners and the like, often not lendingthemselves to a logical physical layout facilitating moving workpiecesfrom one appliance to another.

There remains a need for more practical ways of establishing mechanicaland/or functional connections of appliances to their respective powerplants/sources, for improving replaceability of power plants/sources andpower driven appliances, and for making power/source plant-appliancecombinations more compact and versatile.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure addresses the above stated situation by providinga multi-application power unit for selectively driving a plurality ofpower driven appliances from one or more power plants. The power drivenappliances are mounted to a platform, for example, and selectivelycoupled to a power plant. The power plant rolls or slides along theplatform into engagement with a selected power driven appliance. Thus,one power plant can be used to power a plurality of appliances, and canbe expeditiously connected to a different appliance. This arrangementenables a compact work station to be constructed, wherein a number ofdifferent tasks can be accomplished by the several appliances. Also,capital costs, weight, bulk, and need for replacement parts are allminimized. It is an object of the disclosure to provide improvedelements and arrangements thereof by apparatus for the purposesdescribed which is inexpensive, dependable, and fully effective inaccomplishing its intended purposes.

The present disclosure further addresses the above stated situation byproviding a multi-application power unit for selectively driving aplurality of power driven appliances, which may also comprise aplurality of power driven appliances. A modular power plant and powerdriven appliance system enables a power driven appliance to be removablypositioned in a drive position, the latter enabling the power drivenappliance to be driven by a power plant. A flexible drive shaft fortransmitting torque from a power plant to a power driven appliance isdisclosed. A power device including a flexible drive shaft comprises apower associated apparatus and a flexible drive shaft connected thereto.It is an object of the disclosure to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof by apparatus for the purposes described which isinexpensive, dependable, and fully effective in accomplishing itsintended purposes.

The present disclosure also addresses the above stated situation byproviding a flexible drive shaft for transmitting torque from a powerplant to a power driven appliance. The power driven appliance may bemodular, or readily decoupled from the power plant, or alternatively,may be permanently coupled to the power plant, with the flexible driveshaft serially connecting the appliance and the power plant. A powerdevice including a flexible drive shaft comprises a power associatedapparatus, which may be the power plant, the appliance, or both, and theflexible drive shaft connected thereto. A feature of the flexibledriveshaft is incorporation of an internal stiffener embedded within theouter wall of the flexible driveshaft. This feature opposes kinkingwhich would otherwise be possible as bending is incorporated into thelayout of the flexible driveshaft. It is an object of the disclosure toprovide improved elements and arrangements thereof by apparatus for thepurposes described which is inexpensive, dependable, and fully effectivein accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present disclosure will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the presentdisclosure will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a multi-application power unit 100for selectively driving a plurality of power driven appliances,according to at least one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top plan view of a positioning scheme throughoutwhich the multi-application power unit of FIG. 1 may be maneuvered,according to at least one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side detail view of a component seen at the centerright of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic end view of a variant of the component of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic top view showing a variant of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a multi-application power unit,according to at least one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a modular power plantand power driven appliance system, according to at least one aspect ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of elements concealed in FIG. 7,according to at least one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a schematic bottom view of elements shown in FIG. 8, accordingto at least one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side detail view of the center of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view of a component such as the componentseen at the right of FIG. 7, according to at least one aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic side detail view of an optional featureassociated with handles shown in FIG. 7, drawn to enlarged scale,according to at least one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective detail view of a component seen atthe lower center of FIG. 7;

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective detail view of a flexible driveshaft, according to at least one aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a schematic side cross sectional view of the flexible driveshaft of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a schematic front view of a body worn appliance utilizing theflexible drive shaft of FIG. 14, according to at least one aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 17 is a schematic top plan view of an appliance utilizing theflexible drive shaft of FIG. 14, according to at least one aspect of thedisclosure;

FIG. 18 is a partially cross sectional detail view of a bearing of theflexible drive shaft of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a partially cross sectional detail view of another bearing ofthe flexible drive shaft of FIG. 14;

FIG. 20 is a partially cross sectional detail view of still anotherbearing of the flexible drive shaft of FIG. 14;

FIG. 21 is a schematic side view of a partial appliance utilizing theflexible driveshaft of FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 22 is a schematic side view of an appliance utilizing the flexibledriveshaft of FIGS. 14 and 15; and

FIG. 23 is a perspective detail view of a support and guide featurewhich is an alternative to wheels shown at the center of FIGS. 1 and 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, according to at least one aspect ofthe disclosure, there is shown a multi-application power unit 100 forselectively driving a plurality of power driven appliances 114.Multi-application power unit 100 comprises at least one power plant 102including an output shaft 104 including a power connection element 106,a plurality of power driven appliances 114, and a platform 108 includinga variable position power plant engagement securing power plant 102 toplatform 108 and enabling power plant 102 to be moved among a pluralityof selectable power plant positions 112 each enabling coupling of powerconnection element 106 of power plant 102 to at least one of theplurality of power driven appliances 114 when the at least one powerdriven appliance 114 is coupled to platform 108 proximate a selectablepower plant position 112. Each power plant position 112 includes acoupling retaining a power driven appliance 114 to platform 108.

In summary, a plurality of power driven appliances 114 may be mounted toplatform 108, while power plant 102 is movable from one power drivenappliance 114 to another. Moving power plant 102 into a selectable powerplant position causes torque transfer to an engaged power drivenappliance 114, as will be described hereinafter.

The variable position power plant engagement may comprise a track system110 entrapping the at least one power plant 102 by interference fit.Track system 110 may comprise a plurality of channels 115 along whichpower plant 102 may slide as it is moved from one selectable power plantposition 112 to another.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 1 and 2, track system 110 may comprisechannels 115 recessed into platform 108. Each of channels 115 constrainspower plant 102 to move among selectable power plant positions 112 alongpredetermined paths. The predetermined paths effect torque transferringmutual engagement between power plant 102 and a selected power drivenappliance 114.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, the variable position power plantengagement may comprise a rail 125 fixed to platform 108, and powerplant 102 may comprise rollers dimensioned and configured to roll alongrail 125. As used herein, rollers encompass disc-like wheels 136,spherical wheels, and other shaped rolling elements. Wheels 136 may beadvantageous where for example power plant 102 is relatively heavy.

The variable position power plant engagement may comprise a turntable(not shown), to which power plant 102 is rotatably fixed. Rotationcauses power plant 102 to present its associated power connectionelement 106 to be accessible at a new or different selectable powerplant position 112, for connection to a different power driven appliance114. This situation would apply where platform 108 is relatively smallcompared to e.g. FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, platform 108 could becircular or nearly so, with a radius about equal to the reach of outputshaft 104. In this way, power plant 102 could rotate, but not translaterelative to platform 108, while still presenting output shaft 104 inlocations serving different power driven appliances 114.

Each selectable power plant position 112 (called out in FIG. 2 as A′,B′, C′, D′, E′, or F′) corresponds to one of power driven appliances 114such that when moved to a selectable power plant position 112, powerplant 102 drivably engages a respective one of power driven appliances114 (also called out in FIG. 2 as A, B, C, D, E, or F).

Power connection element 106 is an element non-circular in cross sectionthrough a rotational axis of output shaft 104, which can engage anddrive a corresponding non-circular power connection element. In theexample of FIG. 1, and referring also to FIG. 3, power connectionelement 106 has outwardly projecting splines or teeth 118 which engagegrooves (not shown) of e.g. a splined socket 116.

Platform 108 is a structural member for supporting power plant 102,power driven appliances 114, and other apparatus for operatingmulti-application unit 100. Platform 108 may or may not have a flatupper surface, for example, comprising an open frame (not shown).

Power driven appliances 114 may include any tool or other device forperforming useful work, which requires movement under power to function.Examples include AC and DC generators, high volume, low pressure pumpssuch as irrigation pumps, low volume, high pressure pumps such aspressure washer pumps, hydraulic pumps, other pumps, vacuum pumps, aircompressors, cutting appliances such as table or bench saws, grinders,and illumination units including both generator and also lightingelements, among others.

Multi-application power unit 100 may further comprise a plurality ofpower driven appliances 114 removably attachable to and coupled toplatform 108. Each one of the plurality of power driven appliances 114is located proximate one of the plurality of selectable power plantpositions 112 such that power plant 102 can be moved into drivableengagement with any one of power driven appliances 114 when the onepower driven appliance 114 is coupled to platform 108 at one ofselectable power plant positions 112.

In track system 110, channels 115 may be arrayed orthogonally. Thisresults in a compact array of selectable power plant positions 112 for aplatform 108 of any given size.

As depicted in FIG. 2, channels 115 include at least two parallel pathsin a first direction and at least one path spanning the at least twoparallel paths. As used herein, a path is a whole or partial straightchannels 115. This described arrangement enables transfer of power plant102 from a first selectable power plant position 112 to a secondselectable power plant position immediately adjacent to the firstselectable power plant position. This may prove advantageous where it isdesirable to locate two power driven appliances 114 next to one anotheron one edge of platform 108. For example, a grinder (not shown) may belocated immediately adjacent to a wire wheel for smoothing ground edges.Proximity of these two expedites a finished grinding and smoothingoperation being performed on a workpiece.

The at least two parallel paths may comprise three parallel paths. Asshown in FIG. 2, this arrangement enables a compact array of powerdriven appliances 114, while enabling expeditious linear movement ofpower plant 102 between one power driven appliance 114 and an opposedpower driven appliance 114, this applying to three pairs of opposedpower driven appliances 114.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1, multi-application power unit 100 mayfurther comprise a manual mover 122 capable of moving the power plant102 to one of the plurality of selectable power plant positions 112.Manual mover 122 enables a person to move power plant 102 to the rightor left (seen as arrow A in FIG. 1) into drivable engagement with onepower driven appliance 114 or another. Manual mover 122 facilitatesmovement of power plant 102, which power plant 102 may be heavy ordifficult to move manually due to other characteristics such as presenceof projections (not shown).

Manual mover 122 may comprises a lever 124 movable to at least twoactive positions, wherein in each of the at least two active positions,lever 124 has moved power plant 102 to coupling proximity to one powerdriven appliance 114 when power driven appliance 114 has been fastenedto platform 108 at a selectable power plant position 112. Lever 124facilitates one handed movement of power plant 102 from one location toanother. Lever 124 may terminate in a yoke (not shown) which engages apin (e.g., corresponding to pin 146 in FIG. 5) on power plant 102. FIG.5 shows a variation of FIG. 1, wherein pin 126 (anchored to platform108, not shown in FIG. 5) and a pin 146 fixed to lever 124 and engagingan opening in power plant 102 have exchanged places from correspondingpositions of FIG. 1.

Manual mover 122 may comprise a gate assembly 128 having at least twoend slots 130, 134 dimensioned and configured to receive lever 124 andto constrain lever 124 to move along a travel path wherein lever 124 canmove power plant 102 selectively to one of the active positions at oneend slot 130 or 134 and to a second one of the active positions at theother end slot 134 or 130. Constraining the travel path of the leverallows a user to move power plant 102 with less concentration, andassures that power plant 102 will be moved where intended.

As an alternative to manual mover 122, for example for use inenvironments wherein power plant 102 is not readily accessible, positionof power plant 102 relative to power driven appliance 114 may be managedremotely, such as by a hydraulic actuator (not shown).

In track system 110, each of the at least two active positions may belinearly opposed to another of the at least two positions, whereby powerplant 102 can be connected selectively to two power driven appliances114 by linear motion. This is both easier for a user, and also reduceslikelihood of lever related components from wearing and becomingsusceptible to misalignments over time.

Referring specifically to FIG. 1, multi-application power unit 100 mayfurther comprise a power plant controller 148 operably mounted to gateassembly 128 and connected to power plant 102. Illustratively, powerplant controller 148 could be a throttle control connected to acarburetor of an internal combustion engine (not shown). Locating powerplant controller 148 proximate lever 124 introduces a convenience inoperating multi-application power unit 100 in that clustered controlsare more easily used than separated controls.

Gate assembly 128 may include an intermediate slot 132 between two endslots 130, 134, wherein moving lever 124 to occupy intermediate slot 132moves power plant 102 to a neutral position wherein no power drivenappliances 114 will be engaged. This permits power plant 102 to remainrunning even when operation of a power driven appliance is not desired.

Turning now to FIG. 23, as an alternative to wheels 136 and rails 125,track system 110 may comprise grooves (e.g., groove 127), and powerplant 102 may have feet 129 slidable along grooves 127. In the exampleof FIG. 23, groove 127 is T-shaped, and accepts a T-shaped object orassembly such as disc-like foot 129 fixed to a leg 131. The assembly offoot 129 and leg 131 may fit in close cooperation within groove 127, sothat there is little likelihood of power plant 102 cocking relative togroove 127 and hanging up as it is moved to a new selectable power plantposition 112.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, multi-application power unit 100 mayfurther comprise a slidable engagement coupling power connection element106 of power plant 102 to one power driven appliance 114. The slidableengagement coupling may include a splined shaft (e.g., input shaft 120)on one of power plant 102 and power driven appliance 114 and a splinedsocket 116 on the other one of power plant 102 and power drivenappliance 114. Splined socket 116 may comprise a beveled portion (notshown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, but similar to beveled portion 266illustrated in FIG. 13) configured to guide the splined shaft intoconcentric driving engagement therewith. A splined shaft and a splinedsocket are relatively easily brought into mutual driving engagement bythe above arrangement.

Also referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, where a splined shaft is not provided,multi-application power unit 100 may further comprise a slidableengagement coupling the power connection element 106 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and6) of power plant 102 to at least one of a plurality of power drivenappliances 114, wherein one of power plant 102 and power drivenappliances 114 comprises splined socket 116 and the other one of powerplant 102 and power driven appliances 114 comprises an unsplined shaft(e.g., output shaft 104 shown in FIGS. 1, 5, and 6) having a firstkeyway (not shown, but similar to keyway 133 of FIG. 4) and a splinedhead 142 (FIG. 3) removably attachable to the unsplined shaft. Splinedhead 142 may comprise a collar 138 (FIG. 4) fixed thereto. Collar 138may comprise a second keyway 133, a key 144 matingly compatible withfirst keyway 133 and the second keyway, and a setscrew 140 for engagingthe unsplined shaft. This arrangement enables use of splines with anunsplined shaft.

Referring also to FIG. 6, in an exemplary use, multi-application unit100 may be used to power a boat (not shown in its entirety). Power plant102 may be arranged to operate a stern drive 150 mounted to a transom152 of the boat. A flexible drive shaft 154 may be interposed betweenpower plant 102 and stern drive 150. As depicted in FIG. 6, power drivenappliance 114 comprises a splined socket 116 anchored to the boat.Flexible driveshaft 154 receives torque from splined socket 116, andtransmits the torque to stern drive 150.

Where used with boats, multi-application unit 100 may be used toselectively drive for example a generator or a limited duty motor, suchas a trolling motor or standby or spare motor.

Multi-application power unit 100 may be utilized as a stationary device,such as a free standing work station, with or without legs, which isused in one location, or which may be integrated into a building orother premise. Alternatively, multi-application power unit 100 may bemobile, for example having wheels, such as being a wheeled trailer witha hitch (not shown). Multi-application power unit 100 may be integratedinto an aircraft or a water craft, either permanently fixed, oralternatively, removably installed.

In production models of multi-application power unit 100, powerconnection element 106 and splined socket 116 would be covered by guards(not shown).

As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of power associated modules (e.g.,second modular unit 212) are selectively connected to a chassis 204,where they are connected to power from a power associated module 202. Inthe example of FIG. 7, power associated module 202 is a power plant, andmay be an internal combustion engine, electric motor, pneumatic motor,hydraulic motor, or spring motor for example. In the example of FIG. 7,power associated module 212 is a power driven appliance, and may includeany tool or other device for performing useful work, which requiresmovement under power to function. Examples include AC and DC generators,high volume, low pressure pumps such as irrigation pumps, low volume,high pressure pumps such as pressure washer pumps, hydraulic pumps,other pumps, vacuum pumps, air compressors, cutting appliances such astable or bench saws, grinders, and illumination units including bothgenerator and also lighting elements, among others.

Both the power plant and also the power driven appliance may be modular,and may be freely exchanged for other power plants and power drivenappliances.

Referring to FIGS. 7-13, a modular power plant and power drivenappliance kit 200 comprises a chassis 204 including a first torquetransfer element (e.g., a rotatable shaft 238, shown in FIG. 8) and asecond torque transfer element (e.g., another rotatable shaft) drivablyconnected to the first torque transfer element 238. A first connector(e.g., wall 210, FIG. 7) at first torque transfer element 238 releasablycouples a separable power associated module to first torque transferelement 238. A second connector (not shown but similar to e.g. wall 210,shown in FIG. 7) at second torque transfer element 230 releasablycouples another separable power associated module to second torquetransfer element 230.

A first power associated module 212 is manually securable to andreleasable from a first torque transfer connector (e.g., socket 208) offirst torque transfer element 238, wherein first power associated module212 comprises one of a power plant and a power driven appliance. Asecond power associated module 202 is manually securable to a torquetransfer connector (e.g., socket 208) of second torque transfer element230. Second power associated module 202 comprises another one of a powerplant and a power driven appliance. That is, for modular power plant andpower driven appliance kit 200 to be useful, it must have one powerplant and one power driven appliance.

It will be appreciated that the first and second connectors align thepower associated module relative to chassis 204, and also support theweight thereof, even under dynamic conditions of use. Alignment isimportant because of the necessity of aligning rotating torquetransmission components.

First support 210 and second support 218 have been illustrated asrectangular. However, in some embodiments, first support and secondsupport 218 may have other configurations, such as octagonal, circular,and others. Support wall 210 and corresponding support wall 218 of firstpower associated module 212 are configured to enable first powerassociated module 212 to be indexably coupled to chassis 204. Thisfeature enables a great many indexable positions of a power drivenappliance (shown as modular unit 212 in FIG. 7) relative to firstsupport wall 210, such as eight, ten, twelve, and odd numbers, amongothers. First support wall 210 and the second support wall 218 nestinglyinterfit one another in close cooperation. Walls 210, 218 align andsupport a power associated module on chassis 204, but do not necessarilylatch the two together. Many appliances can be safely and effectivelyoperated by gravity retention of modular units 212.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first”, “second”, etc., are usedherein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal,positional, or hierarchical requirements on the times to which theseterms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does noteither require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” orlower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

Modular power plant and power driven appliance kit 200 may furthercomprise at least two wheels 224 rotatably coupled to chassis 204, toenable chassis 204 to be rolled along a ground surface (not shown), anda handle 220 coupled to chassis 204. Handle 220 is configured to enablemaneuvering chassis 204 along the ground by hand. In the example of FIG.7, chassis 204 supports two wheels 224, and has two legs for stability.In this example, chassis 204 is wheeled about with the legs above theground.

The first connector (e.g., wall 210) is dimensioned and configured tohold first power associated module 212 in torque transfer relation tofirst torque transfer element 238, and to enable sliding engagement offirst power associated module 212 with first torque transfer element238. In the example of FIG. 8, first torque transfer element 238 is arotatable shaft coupled to splined socket 208. The same torquetransmission components may be used with regard to second torquetransfer element 230 at the left of first torque transfer element 238 inFIG. 8.

It should be noted at this point that orientational terms such as above,over, and below, etc., refer to the subject drawing as viewed by anobserver. The drawing figures depict their subject matter inorientations of normal use, which could obviously change with changes inbody posture of the user and position of depicted apparatus. Therefore,orientational terms must be understood to provide semantic basis forpurposes of description only, and do not imply that their subject mattercan be used only in one position.

The first connector further comprises a first support wall 210 capableof supporting the first power associated module 212 on the chassis 204in an operable position under operating conditions. An operatingposition is a position in which torque is operably connected between thepower associated modules actually installed on and used with modularpower plant and power driven appliance kit 200. Under operatingconditions, the powered appliance is driven by torque from the powerplant.

The modular power plant and power driven appliance kit 200 may furthercomprise a second support wall (not shown, but similar to first supportwall 210) capable of supporting the second power associated module 202on the chassis 204 in the operable position under operating conditions,and a transmission (232, 234, 236, seen in FIG. 8) enabling transfer oftorque between the first torque transfer element 238 and the secondtorque transfer element 230 when the first power associated module 212and the second power associated module 202 have been placed in the driveposition. Provision of the second support wall, together with use ofsimilar sockets 208 on respective rotatable shafts 230, 238, enable boththe power plant and also the power driven appliance to be readilyinterchangeable, although this is not necessary. For example, one powerplant or one power driven appliance could be bolted to chassis 204 if itis contemplated that it will be used exclusively or almost exclusively.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 8-10, the transmission comprises a firstpulley 234 on first torque transfer element 238, a second pulley 232 onsecond torque transfer element 230, and a drive belt 236 drivably seatedon first pulley 234 and second pulley 232. In the example of FIGS. 8-10,drive belt 236 crosses itself and reverses direction of rotation offirst pulley 234 relative to second pulley 232. Drive belt 236 isprotected from damage which might otherwise occur due to contact ofsections of drive belt 236 moving in opposing direction by a rotatablerod 240 intervening between and separating potentially mutuallycontacting sections of the drive belt 236 where the drive belt 236crosses itself.

To accommodate more power, the arrangement using drive belt 236 may bereplaced by a system employing intermeshing gears (not shown).

In the modular power plant and power driven appliance kit 200, the firstconnector (e.g., support wall 210) and the second connector (e.g.,another wall 210) are configured to engage respectively first powerassociated module 212 directly above the first torque transfer element(e.g., socket 208) and second power associated module 202 directly abovethe second torque transfer element (e.g., the other socket 208) when themodular power plant and power driven appliance kit 200 is in an operableposition. Also, first torque transfer element 238 has a verticalrotational axis 205 and the second torque transfer element 230 has avertical rotational axis 207 when modular power plant and power drivenappliance kit 200 is in the operable position. This relationship enablesboth the power plant and also the power driven appliance to be loweredonto chassis 204 and immediately become both stably supported and alsosuitably connected to torque transferring components.

Modular power plant and power driven appliance kit 200 is in theoperable position when wheels 224 of chassis 204 contact the ground fromthereabove. First power associated module 212 has a vertical rotationalaxis 205 and second power associated module 202 has a verticalrotational axis 207 when engaging the respective first torque transferelement and the second torque transfer element (e.g., sockets 208).Vertical rotational axes 205, 207 enable both the power plant and alsothe power driven appliance to be lowered onto chassis 204, when chassis204 is in a position to be wheeled along the ground.

Referring also to FIG. 13, first power associated module 212 comprises asplined shaft 206 (see FIG. 8) configured to transfer torque between thefirst power associated module 212 and the first torque transfer element(e.g., socket 208), and the second power associated module 202 comprisesa splined shaft (not shown but similar to splined shaft 206) configuredto transfer torque between the second power associated module 202 andthe second torque transfer element (e.g., one of the sockets 208). Firsttorque transfer element 238 comprises a splined socket 208 including abeveled portion 266 configured to guide splined shaft 206 of first powerassociated module 212 into concentric driving engagement therewith.Beveled portion 266 is dimensioned and configured to receive splines(e.g., splines 268 in FIG. 11) of a second power connector element 216,and guide the splines into grooves 264. Funnel-like beveled portion 266enables successful mating of the splined shaft of the power associatedmodule 202 or 212 merely by lowering power associated module 202 or 212down onto and into engagement with socket 208 and first torque transferelement 238.

When lowering a power associated module 202 or 212 into engagement withsocket 208, power associated module 202 or 212 is held in appropriatealignment by telescoping fit of complementing support components. Tothis end, modular power plant and power driven appliance kit 200 furthercomprises a second support (e.g., wall 218, FIG. 7) fixed to the powerdriven appliance, wherein the second support 218 is dimensioned andconfigured to slidably engage the first support 210. First support 210engages second support 218 and enables operation of the power drivenappliance (e.g., first power associated module 212) under power from thepower plant (e.g., second power associated module 202) when the firstpower associated module is placed in the drive position.

Stability of a power associated module 202 or 212 may rely on gravity ifwalls 201, 218 overlap one another sufficiently. Alternatively, andreferring now to FIG. 12, modular power plant and power driven appliancekit 200 may further comprise an automatic latch feature operable tolatch at least one of first power associated module 212 and second powerassociated module 202 to chassis 204. First power associated modularunit 212 and second power associated modular unit 202 may each include alatch releasably latching first or second power associated modular unit202 or 212 to wall 210 when first or second power associated modularunit 212 or 202 is grasped by handle 244, maneuvered into drivableengagement with wall 210, and handle 244 is released from grasp.

To this end, handle 244 incorporates a pivotally mounted control lever254. No conscious effort is required of the user to operate controllever 254, as the latter is located at the bottom of that portion ofhandle 244 which is ordinary grasped by the user when lifting first orsecond power associated module 212 or 202. Grasping handle 244 pivotscontrol lever 254, which pulls on a cable 256. In turn, pulling on cablein the direction indicated as direction B turns a wheel 258. Aconnecting rod 260 responsively pulls on a latch pin 262 in a directionC, withdrawing latch pin 262 from a hole (not shown) in wall 210. Firstor second power associated modular unit 212 or 202 may then be pulledfree from wall 210. Two cables 256 and associated components aredepicted in FIG. 12.

In the above latching arrangement, at least one of first powerassociated module 212 and second power associated module 202 compriseshandle 244 for lifting. The latch is mostly contained within handle 244.That is, only control lever 254 and latch pins 262 protrude from handle244, with the remaining linkage components being contained within handle244.

Referring particularly to FIG. 11, modular power plant and power drivenappliance kit 200 may further comprise an adjustment feature selectivelyenabling support walls (e.g., support wall 210) of different dimensionsto be used with chassis 104. Support wall 218 is part of a supportassembly 246 adapted to receive different appliances. Illustratively,holes 250 may be used to fasten one appliance to support assembly 246,while holes 252 are used to fasten a smaller appliance to supportassembly 246.

Referring now initially to FIGS. 14 and 15, there is shown a flexibledrive shaft 300 for transmitting torque from a power plant 302 to apower driven appliance 304. Flexible drive shaft 300 comprises anelongated flexible core 306, and a plurality of bearings 308 eachincluding complementary bearing races (not shown) and rolling bearingelements (see FIGS. 18-20) within the complementary bearing races,wherein each bearing 308 is spaced apart from every adjacent bearing308. A flexible tubular sheath 310 encloses elongated flexible core 306and the plurality of bearings 308, flexible tubular sheath 310contacting each outmost one of the complementary bearing races of theplurality of bearings 308 and avoiding contact with elongated flexiblecore 306. Flexible tubular sheath 310 includes a flexible annular wall312 and an internal stiffener 314 embedded within flexible annular wall312 and contained within inner and outer surfaces of flexible annularwall 312. Internal stiffener 314 is omitted from FIG. 14 for clarity ofthe view, but is shown in FIG. 15.

Elongated flexible core 306 may comprise stranded metallic filaments.

Bearings 308 refer to a bearing assembly including ball or rollers,hereinafter referred to as rolling bearing elements, either balls orrollers, and associated races (e.g., races 330, 332 in FIGS. 18-20).Spacing apart of bearings 308 refers to location of bearings 308 alongthe length of flexible tubular sheath 310. Internal stiffener 314comprises a helical, metallic filament, such as a coil spring.

Referring to FIG. 14, at least a portion of flexible tubular sheath 310is translucent or transparent. This enables operating personnel tomonitor condition of internal components of flexible drive shaft 300.

Referring particularly to FIG. 16, but also to FIGS. 14 and 15, flexibledrive shaft 300 is used in conjunction with a utilitarian power deviceincluding flexible drive shaft 300. The utilitiarian power devicecomprises a power associated apparatus, and flexible drive shaft 300connected to the power associated apparatus. Flexible drive shaft 300comprises elongated flexible core 306, and a plurality of bearings 308each including complementary bearing races and rolling bearing elementswithin the complementary bearing races, wherein each bearing 308 isspaced apart from every adjacent bearing 308, flexible tubular sheath310 enclosing elongated flexible core 306 and the plurality of bearings308, flexible tubular sheath 310 contacting each outmost one of thecomplementary bearing races of the plurality of bearings 308 andavoiding contact with elongated flexible core 306. Flexible tubularsheath 310 includes flexible annular wall 312 and internal stiffener 314embedded within flexible annular wall 312 and contained within inner andouter surfaces of flexible annular wall 312. Elongated flexible core 306is rotatably supported on the plurality of bearings 308.

The utilitarian power device is only part of a complete, self-containedappliance capable of performing a task; alternatively stated, theutilitarian device may be an incomplete appliance. It is utilitarian inthat it provides at least one necessary function required to make theappliance operable. Illustratively, the utilitarian device may comprisepower plant 302 or a portion thereof, or alternatively, may comprisepower driven appliance 304 or a portion thereof, or in a still furtheralternative, any combination of these.

As illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 16 and 17, the power associatedapparatus comprises power plant 302. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 21, the power associated apparatus comprises power driven appliance304. It would be possible to connect flexible driveshaft 300 of a powerassociated apparatus to a complementary device, such as power drivenappliance 304, where the power associated apparatus comprises powerplant 302, or to power plant 302, where the power associated apparatuscomprises power driven appliance 304. In a further option, flexibledriveshaft 300 may be connected to another power transmitting shaft.

Where the utilitarian power device (either a power producing power plant302 or a power consuming power driven appliance 304) is an incompleteappliance including flexible drive shaft 300, the latter may be providedwith a suitable terminal or interface apparatus (e.g., power connectionhead 320, FIG. 16) enabling ready connection to that element missingfrom the incomplete appliance (i.e., either a power driven appliance 304or a power plant 302). To that end, in the utilitarian power device, thesuitable terminal or interface apparatus will include firstly, a couplerenabling drive shaft 300 to be retained on that element completing theappliance, and secondly, an element assuring that the internal cable ofdriveshaft 300 can engage and rotate or be rotated by the added elementcompleting the appliance. One example of a coupler is a compressioncollar (not shown) having threads for engaging corresponding threadswhich are an integral part of the added element. The compression collarmay comprise male threads for mating with female threads of the addedelement, or may comprise female threads for mating with male threads ofthe added element. Another example of a coupler is an outwardlyprojecting flange or outwardly projecting tabs having holes or slots forreceiving a threaded fastener which can then be driven into threadedholes in the added element to pin the otherwise free end of drive shaft300 to the added element.

An example of the element assuring that the internal cable of driveshaft300 can engage and rotate or be rotated by the added element is a solid,monolithic, rigid square drive crimped over or otherwise suitablycoupled to elongated flexible core 306 of drive shaft 300. As analternative, the element assuring that the internal cable of driveshaft300 can engage and rotate or be rotated by the added element may be afemale member, such as a square hole socket, star hole socket (e.g.,Torx®), and the like.

Regardless of its specific form, the terminal or interface device willbe selected to be readily installed by hand and/or by use of hand toolsto a corresponding portion of the added element rendering the appliancecomplete.

In another implementation of the disclosure the power associatedapparatus comprises a power driven appliance 304, or a powertransmission device such as power connection head 320 for transmittingtorque to power driven appliance 304 (FIG. 16). Flexible drive shaft 300is utilized with an interface apparatus enabling fastening of flexibledrive shaft 300 at each end to a power plant (e.g., power plant 302) andto a power driven appliance (e.g., power driven appliance 304). Powerconnection head 320 is representative of an interface apparatus.Interface apparatuses may take other forms, such as sockets (not shown),flanges bearing bolt holes (not shown), and others. In various examples(not illustrated), power driven appliance 304 comprises at least one ofa liquid pump, a gas compressor, a rotatable cutting blade, a rotatableabrading element, a mixer, a vacuum pump, a generator, a ball mill, areel, a winch, a drive pulley, a blower, a rotatable scrubber, arotatable extrusion device, an agitator, a centrifuge, a polisher, aconveyor belt, or a drive wheel for a mobile vehicle, among other items.

In an implementation of the disclosure shown in FIG. 22, the powerassociated apparatus comprises power plant 302 and power drivenappliance 304, wherein power plant 302 is drivably coupled to powerdriven appliance 304 by a power transmission element comprising flexibledrive shaft 300.

As seen in FIG. 16, power driven appliance 304 may be adapted to becarried on or may be integral with a backpack 316. For backpack carriedapplications, an output device 318 conducting torque from power plant302 is arranged to project from the side of the person wearing backpack316, but with the axis of rotation of the drive facing forwardly. Outputdevice 318 is arranged to pivot between right and left sides, toaccommodate right- and left-handed access to power. That is, flexibledrive shaft 300 may terminate at its connection to power from outputdevice 318 at the right of the torso of the user, or at the left of thetorso of the user.

Flexible drive shaft 300 has a power connection head 320 from whichprojects a power transmitting element such as gear 322. Power drivenappliance 304 connects to power from power connection head 320, andlatches thereto. Power connection head 320 may also carry power plantcontrols, such as a lever 324 for controlling power plant 302. Lever 324may for example draw a cable 382 coupled to flexible drive shaft 300,for controlling the throttle of an internal combustion engine (notshown). Therefore, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 16, powerdevice 340 (see FIG. 17) further comprises a control for controllingpower plant 302, wherein at least a portion of the control is coupled toflexible drive shaft 300. In this example, the control encompasses bothlever 324 and cable 382, and may include additional apparatus engaging athrottle (not separately shown) of power plant 302.

Still referring to the example of FIG. 16, power device 340 furthercomprises body harness 316 arranged to support the power associatedapparatus on the body of a person. Body harness 316 may comprise flaccidstraps 380 shown in FIG. 16. However, body harness 316 will beunderstood to encompass rigid frame members (not shown) in addition toor instead of flaccid straps 380.

Turning to an example shown in FIG. 17, optionally, power device 340further comprises overrunning clutch 326 interposed between power plant302 and flexible drive shaft 300. Overrunning clutch 326 enables powerplant 302, if an internal combustion engine, to continue to run (i.e.,idling) as a convenience to avoid period restarts, without rotatingelongated flexible core 306 (FIG. 14), when operation of power drivenappliance 304 (FIG. 16) is not actually required.

Rolling bearing elements (as opposed for example to shell type bearings,not shown) of flexible drive shaft 300 may take a number of forms.Illustratively, and as shown in FIG. 18, rolling bearing elements 328are spherical. Spherical rolling bearings elements 328 allow for acompact bearing type while reducing friction compared to shell typebearings. Alternatively, the rolling bearing elements may be elongatedrather than spherical, to accommodate additional loading compared tospherical rolling bearing elements 330. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20,rolling bearing elements 334 are elongated. In the example of FIG. 20,rolling bearing elements 336 are cylindrical. Cylindrical roller bearingelements 336 limit the entire load imposed on bearing races 330, 332 tothrust loads. In the example of FIG. 19, rolling bearing elements 334are each tapered along their respective lengths. In each of the types ofbearings 308, rolling bearing elements 328, 334, or 336 are entrappedbetween opposed upper and lower bearing races 330, 332. Regardless ofthe type of bearing 308, in flexible drive shaft 300, elongated flexiblecore 306 is rotatably supported on the plurality of bearings 308.

Referring to FIG. 15, flexible drive shaft 300 may further comprise aplurality of flexible tubular spacers 338 each located between twoadjacent ones of the plurality of bearings 308. Flexible tubular spacers308 prevent bearings 308 from moving spontaneously along flexibletubular sheath 310 over time. This in turn assures that bearing pointssupporting elongated flexible core 306 remain in locations preventingcontact between the latter and flexible tubular sheath 310. Each one ofthe flexible tubular spacers 308 abuts flexible tubular sheath 310.

A method of transferring torque from a power plant outputting torque toa power driven appliance comprises inputting the torque output by powerplant 302 to elongated flexible core 306 of flexible drive shaft 300,encasing elongated flexible core 306 within flexible tubular sheath 310,reinforcing flexible tubular sheath 310 against collapse with internalstiffener 314 embedded within flexible annular wall 312 of flexibletubular sheath 310, and supporting elongated flexible core 306 on aplurality of bearings 308 including complementary bearing races androlling bearing elements within the complementary bearing races suchthat elongated flexible core 306 is spaced apart from flexible tubularsheath 310, and each bearing 308 is spaced apart from every adjacentbearing 308. The method also comprises transferring torque from powerplant 302 to power driven appliance 304 via flexible drive shaft 300.The advantage of using drive shaft 300 is that the construction recitedherein allows for greater bending than is generally feasible with knownflexible drive shafts, while still preventing collapse, kinking, andlocalized flattening of flexible drive shaft 300.

It will be appreciated that many features presented herein may beutilized with any of the implementations of the subject matter of thisdisclosure, even though this may not be explicitly described. Forexample, flexible drive shaft 300 may be incorporated intomulti-application unit 100 and modular power plant and power drivenapplication system 200.

While the present disclosure has been described in connection with whatis considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to beunderstood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to thedisclosed arrangements, but is intended to cover various arrangementswhich are included within the spirit and scope of the broadest possibleinterpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass allmodifications and equivalent arrangements which are possible.

It should be understood that the various examples of the apparatus(es)disclosed herein may include any of the components, features, andfunctionalities of any of the other examples of the apparatus(es)disclosed herein in any feasible combination, and all of suchpossibilities are intended to be within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure. Many modifications of examples set forth herein willcome to mind to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosurepertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoingdescriptions and the associated drawings.

No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the presentapplication should be construed as critical or essential to theembodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein,the article “a” is intended to include one or more items.

Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not tobe limited to the specific examples presented and that modifications andother examples are intended to be included within the scope of theappended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and theassociated drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in thecontext of certain illustrative combinations of elements and/orfunctions, it should be appreciated that different combinations ofelements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementationswithout departing from the scope of the appended claims.

All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, andpublications discussed above are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

1. A modular power plant and power driven appliance kit comprising: achassis including a first torque transfer element and a second torquetransfer element drivably connected to the first torque transferelement; a first connector at the first torque transfer element, forreleasably coupling a separable power associated module to the firsttorque transfer element; a second connector at the second torquetransfer element, for releasably coupling another separable powerassociated module to the second torque transfer element; a first powerassociated module manually securable to and releasable from the firsttorque transfer connector of the first torque transfer element, whereinthe first power associated module comprises one of a power plant and apower driven appliance; and a second power associated module manuallysecurable to the second torque transfer connector of the second torquetransfer element, wherein the second power associated module comprisesanother one of a power plant and a power driven appliance.
 2. Themodular power plant and power driven appliance kit of claim 1, furthercomprising: at least two wheels rotatably coupled to the chassis, toenable the chassis to be rolled along a ground surface; and a handlecoupled to the chassis, the handle configured to enable maneuvering thechassis along the ground by hand.
 3. The modular power plant and powerdriven appliance kit of claim 1, wherein the first connector isdimensioned and configured: to hold the first power associated module intorque transfer relation to the first torque transfer element; and toenable sliding engagement of the first power associated module with thefirst torque transfer element.
 4. The modular power plant and powerdriven appliance kit of claim 3, wherein the first connector furthercomprises a first support wall capable of supporting the first powerassociated module on the chassis in an operable position under operatingconditions.
 5. The modular power plant and power driven appliance kit ofclaim 4, further comprising a second support wall capable of supportingthe second power associated module on the chassis in an operableposition under operating conditions; and a transmission enablingtransfer of torque between the first torque transfer element and thesecond torque transfer element when the first power associated moduleand the second power associated module have been placed in the driveposition.
 6. The modular power plant and power driven appliance kit ofclaim 1, wherein: the first connector and the second connector areconfigured to engage respectively the first power associated moduledirectly above the first torque transfer element and the second powerassociated module directly above the second torque transfer element whenthe modular power plant and power driven appliance kit is in an operableposition; and the first torque transfer element has a verticalrotational axis and the second torque transfer element has a verticalrotational axis when modular power plant and power driven appliance kitis in an operable position.
 7. The modular power plant and power drivenappliance kit of claim 6, wherein the modular power plant and powerdriven appliance kit is in the operable position when the wheels of thechassis contact the ground from thereabove; and the first powerassociated module has a vertical rotational axis and the second powerassociated module has a vertical rotational axis when engaging therespective first torque transfer element and the second torque transferelement.
 8. The modular power plant and power driven appliance kit ofclaim 1, wherein: the first power associated module comprises a splinedshaft configured to transfer torque between the first power associatedmodule and the first torque transfer element, and the second powerassociated module comprises a splined shaft configured to transfertorque between the second power associated module and the second torquetransfer element; and the first torque transfer element comprises asplined socket including a beveled portion configured to guide thesplined shaft of the first power associated module into concentricdriving engagement therewith.
 9. The modular power plant and powerdriven appliance kit of claim 1, further comprising a second supportfixed to the power driven appliance, wherein the second support isdimensioned and configured to slidably engage the first support, and thefirst support engages the second support and enables operation of thepower driven appliance under power from the power plant when the firstpower associated module is placed in the drive position.
 10. The modularpower plant and power driven appliance kit of claim 1, furthercomprising an automatic latch feature operable to latch at least one ofthe first power associated module and the second power associated moduleto the chassis.
 11. The modular power plant and power driven appliancekit of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first power associatedmodule and the second power associated module comprises a handle forlifting; and the latch is mostly contained within the handle.
 12. Themodular power plant and power driven appliance kit of claim 5, whereinthe transmission comprises a first pulley on the first torque transferelement, a second pulley on the second torque transfer element, and adrive belt drivably seated on the first pulley and the second pulley.13. The modular power plant and power driven appliance kit of claim 12,wherein the drive belt crosses itself and reverses direction of rotationof the first pulley relative to the second pulley.
 14. The modular powerplant and power driven appliance kit of claim 13, further comprising arotatable rod intervening between and separating potentially mutuallycontacting sections of the drive belt where the drive belt crossesitself.
 15. The modular power plant and power driven appliance kit ofclaim 5, wherein the first support wall and the second support wallnestingly interfit one another in close cooperation.
 16. The modularpower plant and power driven appliance kit of claim 15, furthercomprising an adjustment feature selectively enabling support walls ofdifferent dimensions to be used with the chassis.
 17. The modular powerplant and power driven appliance kit of claim 6, wherein the supportwall and a corresponding support wall of the first power associatedmodule are configured to enable the first power associated module to beindexably coupled to the chassis.